Without a clean sheet since December – 23 games – they have kept just four shutouts this season, as opposed to eight in 1986-87.

The 15 goals conceded in just three games over Christmas – including an 8-0 demolition at Chelsea – could yet prove their undoing.

That 6-0 loss at Forest was the endgame for Turner in 1986 and the heaviest Villa suffered that season.

Next month’s final-day showdown at Wigan is being tipped as the winner-takes-all clash with the Latics master escape artists.

But, should Villa earn enough points, goal difference will not matter. Sunderland’s visit on Monday is the first of a double-header which takes them to Lambert’s former club, and fellow strugglers, Norwich on Saturday.

Win both and survival would be virtually assured – and Villa have come up big when it counts with victories over West Ham, Reading and QPR. It is there where they differ from 26 years ago. Back then, Villa were sleepwalking to relegation with just three wins after Christmas and already rooted in the bottom three at the turn of the year.

Victories over Charlton, Coventry and West Ham merely prolonged the inevitable. A four- game unbeaten run, where they also drew against drop rivals Manchester City and Leicester City – who were also relegated – was as good as it got.

Now though, there is fight and belief. The battle, spearheaded by Christian Benteke’s goals, Brad Guzan’s heroics and Ashley Westwood’s emergence, is there to be won.

It emanates from the manager and his ability to draw every ounce from players who owe him their Premier League lives.

He picked a sub-standard bunch up off their knees at League One Norwich in 2009 – days after his Colchester side destroyed them 7-1 – and took them to the top flight.

No-one can doubt his man-management skills and respect in the dressing room. Players will run through brick walls for him. Respect is given and earned.

Should they survive, expect Villa to thrive. A record TV deal – £60m is guaranteed for the bottom club next year – and the added experience will galvanise them.

Should the unthinkable happen, emulating the immediate response of 1987-88 by bouncing straight back is not guaranteed.

Since 2000-01, just three teams have returned at the first attempt. Albion – in 2004 and 2010 – Newcastle in 2010 and West Ham last season all escaped being stuck in the Championship more than one season.

Charlton, Bolton, Ipswich, Burnley, Watford and Leicester – Leeds and Norwich also dropped into League One – have all suffered prolonged spells in the second tier.

It is a fate Villa can ill afford, one which has loomed large during the last two seasons. But, unlike 1987, it is in their hands.